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     Calf scours (diarrhea) continues to be a major problem plaguing the cattle industry. It is a problem without a simple solution; however by understanding the basics a producer can minimize losses and maximize profits.

 

     There are many different infectious agents that can cause calf scours.  Some of the more common include: rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium, and E. coli. It should be noted that most of the agents that cause scours are not bacteria. Because of this, standard antibiotics are not effective treatments and this is one of the factors that makes prevention the most important part of any scours program.

 

     All calves will be exposed to many of the agents that cause scours from the moment they are born but only some will get sick. Three main things determine a calf’s ability to fight off a potential infection: the number of organisms the calf is exposed to (the infectious dose), the immunity level of the calf (colostrum), and the level of stress on the calf. Controlling these three factors is the best way to prevent a scours outbreak.

 

     Older calves and cows harbor scours agents and shed them at varying levels without showing any symptoms. Therefore, the longer a group of cattle spend in your calving area the more contaminated the area becomes. Muddy, wet calving pens also allow the agents to survive much longer than they can in dry, clean areas. Cow/calf pairs should be moved out of the calving pen to dry, clean lots as soon as possible after calving. An even better approach, if space allows, is to calve in an area for a week or two and then move pregnant cows to fresh ground to calve on instead of moving the pairs. Your Sioux Nation veterinarian can help you decide how to make the best use of your available facilities.

 

     Most cattlemen are aware of the importance of colostrum for a calf’s survival. Newborns need to receive 2-4 quarts of quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Even as early as 12 hours after birth, the calf’s ability to absorb the antibodies in the colostrum begins to decline and by 24 hours it’s almost always too late. What cattle raisers don’t always consider are ways to make a cow’s colostrum as beneficial as possible. Cows need to be fed properly in order to have the energy to produce adequate colostrum. Also, a properly timed scours shot given to cows during pregnancy will allow them to pass that immunity on to their calves in the colostrum. This is especially important in heifers because their colostrum is not as good as that from older cows. Be sure to follow the vaccine recommendations to get the maximum benefit from the shot.

 

      The primary stressors on a calf are overcrowding, insufficient food, wetness, and wind. While it’s impossible to control all stress on the calf, effort should be made to provide calves with a clean, dry environment out of the wind and be certain the cow is providing enough milk.

 

     Active calves that are running and bucking with mild diarrhea may not need treatment. Factors to assess about a calf are general disposition, appetite, hydration status, and body temperature. If any of these things are not normal, treatment should be considered.

 

     Fluid therapy is the single most important part of a scours treatment plan. Scouring calves die from dehydration and electrolyte loss and replacing these losses can keep them alive long enough to overcome the disease. Plain water is not sufficient; electrolytes lost must also be replaced. There are many excellent commercially available electrolyte solutions. Always follow the label mixing instructions exactly. Always thoroughly clean bottles and stomach tubes between calves.

 

     While the majority of scours-causing organisms cannot be killed by antibiotics, they are usually part of a scours treatment regimen anyway. Scouring calves have damaged intestinal walls which can allow bacteria to invade. They also generally have weakened immune systems so it’s important to protect them from other infections while they are battling scours. Avoid the use of gentamicin and Baytril. Gentamicin causes long term residue problems and should not be used in food animals. Baytril is not labeled for calf scours and cannot be used off-label. Consult with your Sioux Nation veterinarian regarding appropriate and effective antibiotic choices.

 

     Shelter from the wind, heat lamps, etc. can also be of benefit when treating scouring calves. Always work with sick calves only after you have attended to the healthy ones to avoid spreading disease. 

 

     Calf scours is a serious and costly disease in calves. Care and planning must go into creating a comprehensive plan to address this ever-present problem. Taking the proper steps before an outbreak occurs will help ensure a successful and profitable calving season.

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